At this point in the NBA season, there isn’t much left to say. Last season is well behind us. Next season is far away. All that’s left to do is to speculate.
Luckily, we love to speculate here at NBA Analysis. It’s what we do best. At the moment, there is no shortage of star players in trade rumors.
Surely, you’ve heard them all. By the time the 2023-24 season rolls around, the league could look much different. Here are three deals that would shift the league’s landscape.
Trade No. 1 – James Harden to Los Angeles Clippers
Philadelphia 76ers Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G/F Norman Powell, F Robert Covington
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G James Harden
Sixers fans will not like this one. They will protest. Sure, we know. Daryl Morey has never settled for low value in a star trade. Why would he start now? This is the same man who flipped Ben Simmons for Harden.
Sure. With that said, the Nets were desperate to move off of Harden. A look around the league doesn’t reveal an immediately comparable situation. Morey may have to take a loss on Harden.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: James Harden, Los Angeles Clippers & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Besides, this deal still fills out the Sixers’ rotation nicely. In the meantime, it’s an obvious win-now upgrade for the Clippers. On the other hand, this next star’s team should have more options.
Trade No. 2 – Pascal Siakam to Atlanta Hawks
Toronto Raptors Receive: F De’Andre Hunter, F/C Onyeka Onkongwu, F Jalen Johnson, 2024 First-Round Pick (SAC via ATL), 2029 First-Round Pick (ATL)
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Pascal Siakam
We could have gone with any number of suitors for Siakam. His market is significantly more robust than Harden’s. Why? Well, Siakam is younger. He’s easier to fit into a team concept. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, he hasn’t requested a trade.
The Raptors aren’t desperate to move him. Time will tell whether they even choose to. If they do, this package should be attractive. After all, they’re landing a trio of talented young players here.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors & Atlanta Hawks Updates
Okongwu could be their big man of the future, and Johnson fits the profile of a playmaking wing that they seem to like. Throw in some draft capital, and the Hawks could pry Siakam away. Of course, he’s not the biggest name on the market, either.
Trade No. 3 – Damian Lillard to Miami Heat
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Tyler Herro, G/F Duncan Robinson
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Ben Simmons, F Nikola Jovic, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN), 2027 First-Round Pick (MIA), 2027 First-Round Pick (PHI via BKN), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIA)
Miami Heat Receive: G Damian Lillard
For the love of God, please get Lillard to Miami. Actually, don’t. Once a version of this deal goes through, we’ll be very short on topics. For the love of God, hold off on trading Lillard to Miami as long as possible.
Jokes aside, something like this has to happen this summer. The Blazers have an apparent lack of interest in Herro – they’re set on young guards. So, they need to find a third team who’s interested in taking him.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers & Miami Heat Updates
The Nets should be happy to get involved here. They could use a guard that can create in the half court, and it should be worth a couple of first-round picks for them to turn Simmons into one. Finally, Portland gets their cache of first-rounders, and the Heat get their man. This could be the deal that leaves us with little left to speculate about.
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